Your Guide to the Perfect Weekend in Honolulu: May 19–26, 2021
It’s a great weekend for moon shine, bougie barkers and a plain white tee.
Photo: Courtesy of Nasa Ames Research Center/Brian Day
Watch a Total Lunar Eclipse
Tuesday, May 25, through Wednesday, May 26, 11:45 p.m.–1:18 a.m.
This 2021 astro-wow-ical event, called the “Super Flower Blood Moon”—a combo of a super moon and lunar eclipse—will star the biggest, brightest and bloodiest (more glow than gore) moon this year. And the best locations to see this heavenly body are here, Australia and New Zealand. Once again, lucky we live Hawai‘i. No special eyewear is needed to view the eclipse, which technically begins on Tuesday at 11:45 p.m. However, you may want to have a perk-me-up since the most drastic change won’t be until about 1:18 a.m. Wednesday. If you plan to watch it, be on time: Bishop Museum says the moon will turn red for about seven minutes, 1:18–1:25 am., then the color will fade. At 2:52 a.m., it’ll be goodnight moon, and the eclipse will be pau.
SEE ALSO: 2021 Astronomical Highlights: When to Watch the Sky in Hawaiʻi
Photo: Courtesy of PJ Dahl
Free Zoom Conversation with Lightning Ace “PJ” Dahl
Friday, May 21, 9–10 a.m.
Talk about escaping death: Decorated World War II ace PJ Dahl survived numerous life-threatening scenarios including being shot, a crashing on to a runway, and bailing out and surviving two days in a life raft. #BEYONDBLESSED. This Friday, during Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Hangar Talk, listen to the gripping and incredible story of his life in the military, which spanned from World War II and beyond. Special guest Brad Ball, president of the 475th Foundation, will join him to discuss Dahl’s days of flying the P-38 Lightning—a fighter aircraft noted for its incredible speed and power. Interested individuals have two days to register for the event and can send questions for the nine-lives ace beforehand.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Humane Society
Hawaiian Humane Society’s Virtual Tuxes and Tails Event
Saturday, May 22, 6 p.m. on KGMB
The Hawaiian Humane Society does incredible work to ensure the health and safety of its animals. This weekend, hit paws, and take the time to support the community-driven organization by tuning into its Tuxes and Tails virtual benefit. During the one-hour event, enjoy smooth tunes from an all-star musical lineup including Henry Kapono, Sistah Robi, and Ginny Tiu with Jordan Segundo. Furry tales of inspiring rescues and talk about the future of the local animal shelter will also be part of the evening’s festivities. An online auction will commence at 6 p.m. and guests can bid on prizes including jewelry, fine wine, a Maui getaway, an opportunity for your pet to be famous and a decadent dinner with (top dog) Mayor Rick Blangiardi at Halekūlani’s La Mer.
Tuxes and Tails will air again on May 23 at 6 p.m. on KHNL and on May 24 at 8 p.m. on KFVE. For more information visit hawaiianhumane.org
SEE ALSO: Where to Adopt a Pet in Honolulu
Illustration: Getty Images
Bike Clinic Series at Ward Village
Sunday, May 23, 9–11 a.m.
May is National Bike Month. It’s a wheelie big deal, since bike sales boomed during COVID-19. So, if you were one of the many cyclists who recently scored a one-seater, check out Ward Village’s bike clinic this Sunday. Learn how to change a tire and how to extend the life of your bike with proper care. Boca Hawai‘i will have a tent set up for tune-ups and more severe mechanical problems that are too hard for rookie riders to handle. Bonus: All attendees will be automatically entered to win a free bike, courtesy of Boca Hawai‘i. The winner will be called at 10:15 a.m. and must be present to collect the new hot wheels.
Victoria Ward Park, 1020 Auahi St., wardvillage.com
Other Ideas
Strawberry shortcake and vegan chocolate and haupia gelato cakes. Photo: Martha Cheng
Eat Cake
It’s gettin’ hot out there, so take off all your clothes. All right, if you’re not comfortable with that or have lots of windows in your house, indulge in Via Gelato’s ice cream cakes instead. Thanks to HONOLULU’s Martha Cheng, we learned all about the new beat-the-heat treat that pairs oh-so-dreamy gelato flavor combos with bases made of baked goods.
Cakes come in 5-inch (serves four to six) and 7-inch (serves eight) sizes and start at $34. Place orders at least 48 hours in advance. There is also a limited selection of cakes available for walk-ins in Via Gelato’s freezer case. 1142 12th Ave., (808) 732-2800, viagelatohawaii.com, @viagelato
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino
Shop for Summer Dresses
Our house dresses have now become our going-out dresses. But we still want them to have that effortless, sexy-chic I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-and-look-flawless vibe. With that, check out Gillia’s new Essence collection that is available for pre-order right now. The soon-to-be-your-favorite frocks are lightweight, come in a variety of pretty (muted) pastels, some styles have pockets(!), and if you snag one now, you’ll get a free matching scrunchie—for those days you have bed head.
Dresses starting at $158, gilliaclothing.com, @gilliaclothing
SEE ALSO: Get the Comfiest House Dresses From 11 Local Hawai‘i Designers
Photo: Courtesy of Da Shop: Books + Curiosities
Read Something Inspiring
From what the reviews are saying, Sakamoto’s Swim Club: How a Teacher Led an Unlikely Team to Victory by Julie Abery and illustrated by Chris Sasaki is a big win for its rich illustrations and priceless lessons for kids looking to become champions. The book tells the story of a local science teacher, Soichi Sakamoto, who trained a bunch of local keiki to swim competitively by using the natural current from irrigation ditches for practice. The Swim Club members went on to achieve great success as a whole and individually, raking in Olympic medals and national awards. It’s one of those stories you just can’t make up. Tear.
$17.99, Da Shop: Books + Curiosities, 3565 Harding Ave., (808) 421-9460, dashophnl.com, @dashophnl
Photo: Courtesy of Blue Note Hawai‘i
Listen to Plain White T’s
Thursday, May 20, through Saturday, May 22, 6:30 and 9 p.m. shows
I forgot how much I love Plain White T’s. As I write this, “Rhythm of Love” is playing and it’s making me feel all types of magical bliss. How often did I wish my name was Delilah? A lot. Do yourself a favor and fall in love with the American rock band all over again at Blue Note Hawai‘i this weekend.
Tickets are sold in tables of four, which breaks down to $35–$45 per person, Blue Note Hawai‘i, 2335 Kalākaua Ave., bluenotehawaii.com, @bluenotehawaii
Looking for fun new ways to experience the city? HONOLULU’s got you covered with HNLTix, your brand-new local resource for all things social—fundraisers, concerts, comedy shows, expos and everything in between. Discover your next can’t-miss event, share your favorites with friends, or promote your own event and sell tickets online. To see what’s coming up next in Honolulu, visit HNLTix.com.
